Assisting a fallen Person
Assisting a fallen Person
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The risk of falling depends on many factors. Many healthcare organisations have falls prevention programmes that help them to identify clients at risk so they can develop appropriate strategies. Preventing falls is far more effective than trying to manage a fall in progress, or managing the after‑effects. Prevent falls by identifying any risks, then eliminate, isolate or minimise those risks. If you have a falls prevention programme, the fall risk and brief details of the care plan should be noted on the client profile. Falls prevention and moving and handling programmes work well together. By creating strategies to reduce the risk of falls, for instance by reviewing medication that causes dizziness, strengthening weak muscles, and improving balance and correcting visual problems, you also improve clients’ ability to move more safely. Sometimes falls result in injury to clients, or occur following a stroke or heart attack. Dealing with emergency situations is covered at the end of this section
Managing a fall in progress
Managing a fall in progress
While trying to encourage independence and mobility, there is always a risk that a client could fall. When a client is falling, it is recommended that the carer not try to stop the fall or try to hold the client up. It is impossible to ‘control’ a fall by lifting or bearing the weight of the client.
The emphasis should be on prevention
Managing a fallen person
Managing a fallen person
It is important that clients are aware of the moving and handling policy you use, so that they do not expect to be lifted by carers after a fall. If you find a fallen client, you need to assess the situation carefully to ensure that the client does not experience additional harm while you are trying to help them. This affects the method you use and the choice of equipment. Give the client time to get calm, assess the situation, then either coach the client to get up or use equipment to get them up.
Assessing a fallen person
Assessing a fallen person
Assess the client’s airway, breathing, and circulation, and maintain it according to CPR guidelines and the client’s care plan.
1. Call for help
2. If you are able, make sure that the area around the client is safe and that no further harm can occur; for example, clear any spills or objects away.
3. Continue the assessment as needed, using approved first aid procedures, and decide if the client can be moved
4. If the client is injured, make them comfortable on the floor and seek further medical advice
5. If they are uninjured, stay with the client and stay calm; do not hurry them to get up. This will help the client to stay calm and relaxed
6. Choose the right technique to help them up, explain the procedure and talk with them throughout the move to provide reassurance
7. Remember, moving them without assessing the situation carefully could cause injury to you and the client.
The following techniques are relevant to assisting fallen clients without or before the use of a hoist.
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